Baseball has returned with energy, debate and optimism, and for the Baltimore Orioles, it may be a season that defines their trajectory.

“The first week is the best week of the year,” ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian said on Glenn Clark Radio March 30. “Now you’ve got something to wake up to in the morning.”

A big point of discussion regarding Baltimore’s organization is its approach to roster-building, particularly with extensions awarded in recent months to catcher Samuel Basallo and pitcher Shane Baz. Kurkjian noted that this is a common strategy among successful teams.

“I think most really successful franchises identify the players that they’re going to win with down the road and get them extended as quickly as possible,” Kurkjian said.

The Orioles followed that model early this season when they extended Baz, which Kurkjian says shows their confidence in the right-hander’s long-term potential. The two sides agreed to a five-year, $68 million deal two days before his team debut against the Minnesota Twins on March 29.

“There’s no way the Orioles would have extended him unless they saw that there is a high ceiling there and there is true greatness there,” Kurkjian said.

The analyst added that securing core players sends a message to not only the clubhouse but the fan base. Last August, the Orioles agreed to an eight-year, $67 million extension with Basallo that could end up being worth as much as $88.5 million.

“It shows everyone, including the other players on the team, if you do your job and you do it really well, you’re going to stay here,” Kurkjian said. “That really matters to the camaraderie of the team.”

That idea raises another question for the Orioles and whether or not they can take the same approach with Gunnar Henderson, who is scheduled to hit free agency after the 2028 season.

Kurkjian said teams that want long-lasting success have to prioritize keeping their best talent, despite the financial commitment.

“I think if you want to win long term, you’ve got to sign him,” he said.

Beyond their roster, the Orioles entered the season in a very competitive American League East with the teams around them having improved since the end of last season. Kurkjian said the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays have all taken steps forward.

The Orioles finished the 2025 season with a 75-87 record, finishing fifth in the division. Kurkjian said the team has improved since then but is still facing stiff competition.

“I think they’re 10 games better than last year,” he said. “I think they’re going to win 85 games or so.”

The Orioles are 3-3 through six games, sitting third in the division. Kurkjian said they could remain in contention into September despite the improvements made by the other teams.

With a big season ahead, the Orioles early momentum and roster decisions will play a big role in determining how long they will stay in the playoff conversation.

“I think they can still be a contender, even though you pick them fourth,” Kurkjian said.

For more from Kurkjian, listen to the full interview here:

xx

Photo Credit: Colin Murphy/PressBox